Working Pigs

4 black pigs in background with invasive honeysuckle in foreground We discovered a patch of invasive honeysuckle growing on the Eastern bank of the farm recently. It was sending runners up the hill and starting to get out of control. We knew we had to do something about it and decided to enlist some help from our pigs!

Pigs are amazing at digging up soil and vegetation with their snouts. This behaviour, called ‘rooting’, helps pigs find their food in natural environments. Pigs don’t eat honeysuckle, but by carefully placing their food on top of the plant and runners, the pigs are exposing and uprooting it enough to make removal far easier.

Green Connect staff and Landcare volunteers have successfully removed over one third of the honeysuckle so far. We’ll continue working until we remove the rest. And we thank our amazing pigs for their invaluable assistance!

Woman in blue long-sleeve shirt holding white bucket is scooping food out of bucket and dropping it to 5 pigs, 4 black and 1 brown. Pigs are on grass with trees in background

Pigs, sheep, and other animals play a critically important role on our farm: they reduce food waste, help to manage weeds and pests, and regenerate soil with their manure. Selling free-range meat also helps us to better utilise our marginal land, diversify our income, and create more jobs for former refugees and young people.

Our next round of free-range pork is now available for pre-sale. If you’re keen to pick up a 5kg or 10kg free-range pork pack between 27-29 June, go to https://green-connect.com.au/free-range-pork-and-lamb/.

Enjoy!

Lindsay Burlton
Fair Food Coordinator

 

In your box this week:

Updated grid of what we're planning on packing in veg boxes on 24 May 2022

Note: We sometimes need to make changes to what we pack in your veg box based on the quantity or quality of produce that we can harvest and source. If you have any questions about what is in your box, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

 

Did you know?

Red Elk and Mizuna are both leafy green vegetables that come from the mustard or Brassica family. They have small, feathery, pointed leaves and a slightly peppery flavour and are more versatile in the kitchen than you might think! They are delicious in salads, either mixed or on their own, or when made into a pesto. They can also be cooked in a pasta, risotto, pizza, stir-fry, or soup. Their flavour gets milder with cooking.

 

Check out recipes featuring seasonal produce from the farm here!

Get more information about ordering a veg box here!